John Jay Announces Senior Recognition Awards

CROSS RIVER, NY — Members of John Jay’s Class of 2020 were honored for their achievements in academics, athletics, and the arts; for their citizenship and service; as well as independent thinking, environmental stewardship and more. John Jay High School Recognition Awards, given each year on behalf of community groups, in honor of heroes who passed too soon and in memory of loved ones, represent the strong ties that connect one Katonah-Lewisboro generation to the next.

Principal Dr. Steven Siciliano and other school administrators and counselors named the recipients of more than 100 awards in a prerecorded Zoom presentation.

Assistant Principal Kim Piccolino named this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian: Jessica Leff and Sydney Aronson. She also offered best wishes to all seniors. “The Class of 2020 is a special group and I know that wonderful things await you,” she said.

Director of Guidance Marisa Merlino congratulated 40 winners of awards from the school’s academic departments. Director of Health, Wellness Chris McCarthy named all of the recipients of the athletic awards from the John Jay Boosters, including to 35 students who played 6 or more seasons of a varsity sport.

New this year: The Gratitude for Service Award, a surprise put together by the high school counseling center to honor two retiring counselors — Lucy Liberatore and Malory Simon — for their dedication and love. The recipients, seniors Morgan Fost and Clodagh McGroary, were chosen for their compassion towards others.

Dr. Siciliano closed the evening by naming the school’s two National Merit Finalists: Jessica Leff and Johanna Schechter, as well as an honor of his own choosing, the Principal’s Award. “For outstanding scholastic achievement, high standards of moral ethical behavior and contributing positively to the school and community—Katie Gebbia.”

For more on the awards, go here.

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